Integrated mobile 5G and 6G non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) are rapidly becoming the backbone of global communications. A novel Direct-to-Device (D2D) network enables standard smartphones and IoT devices to connect directly to low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites without specialized hardware, providing ubiquitous coverage. Advancements in satellite manufacturing and reusable launch vehicle technologies have stimulated the emergence of LEO mega-constellations, driving significant research, engineering efforts, and commercial innovation. Welcome to the new space race!
The aim of this book, Towards Integration 6G NTN Non-Terrestrial Networks with 5G NR-NTN Satellite Connectivity: A Practical Approach Using MATLAB®, is to provide fundamental motivation, trends, and benefits related to the convergence of terrestrial and satellite technologies, the standardization timeline and requirements for NTN integration in 5G, use cases, system architecture, and design aspects, enabling technologies, challenges, and opportunities. It provides an in-depth coverage of the ITU-R and 3GPP standardization processes for 5G-Advanced as well as initial 6G NTN study items. It also reviews research activities from academia and industry regarding 3D networking opportunities and highlights associated challenges. Finally, this book provides results from NTN system experiments, MATLAB models for energy consumption, capacity simulation and coverage-map visualization, satellite scenarios, and a 6G NTN channel/link simulator.
The book is divided into three major parts:
- Convergence of mobile networks and satellite communications
- Research in integrated TN and NTN networking
- NTN system modelling in simulations and emulation
The main originality of this book lies in a practical guide to developing a multilayered NTN simulator in MATLAB, with a strong emphasis on user configurability for both research and practical design applications. In addition, a GUI-based MATLAB simulator is illustrated in detail, along with explanations of the codes used in the performance evaluation of a 3GPP-compliant NTN link-level model. Overall, this book is intended for readers with a basic engineering background who seek to develop a solid foundation in the fundamental concepts of 5G and 6G hybrid non-terrestrial networking.